Glenda has been working as a HIPPY Coordinator at Takanini Family Service Centre for over 9 years. Seeing learning, change and growth occur is what makes her day worthwhile working as the HIPPY Coordinator. 

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Tell us a little bit about yourself

My qualification is in Early Childhood Teaching, and I began teaching a very long time ago. After working in a kindergarten early in my career, I tried the commercial world. It was an interesting change but just not me. As great as the performance bonuses were, it wasn’t the same as seeing children learning and thriving. Then I worked in a few roles with a specialisation in supporting children and families who experience barriers to learning. These were amazing experiences and interesting applications of my teaching skills. Next, I started my role as the HIPPY Coordinator in Takanini Family Service Centre in January 2013. 

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What is a typical day in your role as the HIPPY Coordinator?

It varied, and no two days were the same. However, the consistent factor is the interactions with people. These interactions make the day worthwhile.

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What do you love the most about your job?

The best part of my job is to engage with people, share my knowledge while learning from other people at the same time. Seeing learning, change, and growth occur is what I enjoy most about working as the HIPPY Coordinator.

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Could you please share a special or unforgettable moment during your time in this role?

One of our ex-HIPPY tutors was successful in gaining admission to the University of Auckland to study primary teaching and is now a teacher at Green Meadows Intermediate School. She is the first person in her Whānau to attend university. Having supported her through the process, I felt honoured to be asked to be part of her powhiri. I admire what she has achieved and what it means to her. I was so proud to see her achieving the goals she had set for herself.